Yes Man or Chief – What’s Your Career Profile?

Mar 6, 2015

In her new book, Strategize to Win, Carla identifies five career profiles that fare differently in a variety of workplace climates. Take this quiz to discover your career profile and how to work it in the workplace.

Your boss is calling for a risky change in direction. What do you do?

Get on board. This is an “all hands on deck” situation.

Everything in my power to reduce the risk.

Yes, always challenge the status quo.

Change is a good thing. Figure out how to use your team to get a leg up on the competition.

How do you work with people of differing viewpoints?

I believe it’s healthy and good for an organization to challenge opposing views.

I get along with everyone I work with regardless of opinion.

I usually debate my colleagues who have a different point of view.

I generally try to reconcile differences for the good of the team.

Which of the following describes the manner in which you organize?

I use time as an unlimited resource and work however many hours it takes to complete a project.

Time is a limited resource and I use it strategically.

I emulate the organizational style of my peers or boss because that’s what they recommend I do.

Are you willing to take personal risks in your career?

I generally prefer to handle tasks that are directed by someone else.

Yes, no doubt. I thrive on taking the lead.

Sometimes, but I am most comfortable executing on others’ vision rather than creating and delivering on my own.

In tough times when organizations make fewer economic, technological, or human investments, which scenario best describes you?

I am not afraid to make tough decisions, voice my opinion, or be aggressive in pursuing new opportunities.

I usually play devil’s advocate and challenge ideas that are presented.

I buckle down and execute ideas given to me by my team and boss.

Are you able to deal with setbacks in a constructive manner?

I thrive in an environment where I am constantly being challenged.

I usually question any delays or impediments to a project.

I tend to seek help.

Yes, I work to solve and muscle through our company’s challenges at all costs.

It’s 6pm and you’re ready to shut down your computer for the evening. But your boss asks you to revise a presentation you delivered 7 days ago that is needed by noon tomorrow. Your response is:

I gave this to you 7 days ago -- why are you giving this to me now?

Yes, I’ll make edits right away.

Sure, I’ll get you what you need by tomorrow morning.

I’ll work on this now because it’s important. (But you address the situation soon after.)